Overview

About the Family and Children Division of the High Court

With the proclamation of the Family and Children Division Act, No. 6 of 2016, on February 28, 2018, the Family and Children Division (FCD) of the High Court was established to oversee family and children court matters. In so doing, the FCD facilitates problem-solving court systems to address the underlying factors that contribute to family conflict and offensive behaviour among children. The Division consists of the Family Court, the Children Court and the FCD Court Administration Department, which is headed by the Deputy Court Executive Administrator.

Click to download the Family and Children Division Fact Sheet

The FCD Court Administration Department

The FCD Court Administration Department is the administrative arm of the Division and provides strategic and operational support for the Family and Children Courts. This Department is responsible for planning, budgeting, financial planning and management, staff management and development, case flow management, and performance management. It also develops and implements the necessary policies, processes and systems to ensure that the Division operates effectively. Administrative units under this Department include:

• Social Services;
  
• Human Resource Management;
• Communications and Information;
  
• Records Management, Court and Law Reporting;
• Information Technology;
  
• Finance, Accounts and Investment;
  
• Statistical and Evaluation; and
  
• Court Systems Audit and Quality Compliance.

The Family Court

The Family Court focuses on resolving family conflict and in so doing, provides psycho-social support in family matters including divorce, legal custody, property issues, maintenance and access among others. This is done through psychological assessments, programme delivery, counselling and mediation services. Programmes offered by the Family Court target a range of issues including parenting and domestic violence.

Click to download the Family Court Fact Sheet

The Children Court

The Children Court deals with children (under 18) who are charged with offences, children in need of supervision (CHINS) and child care and protection matters. In so doing, the Court uses rehabilitative interventions to encourage positive behaviour change and accountability on the part of child offenders. Such interventions include psychological assessments, counselling and in-house Court programmes such as Court-annexed Peer Resolution and the Children Drug Treatment Court Programme among others.

Click to download the Children Court Fact Sheet